Mike Hirschberg, Visionary in Vertical Flight and Hydrogen Aviation, Joins HYSKY Board of Directors

HYSKY Society announces that Mike Hirschberg, former VFS Executive Director and founder of H2 Advisors, has joined its Board of Directors. A pioneer in vertical flight and hydrogen aviation, Hirschberg strengthens HYSKY’s mission to decarbonize aviation through education, standards, and collaboration. End Quote

(1888PressRelease) September 04, 2025 - A legendary force in vertical flight and hydrogen aviation has taken on a new role: HYSKY Society proudly announces that Mike Hirschberg, Executive Director Emeritus of the Vertical Flight Society and founder of H2 Advisors, has joined its Board of Directors.

A Natural Evolution for a Hydrogen Aviation Pioneer
In August of 2025, HYSKY Society CEO, Danielle McLean, published a heartfelt tribute to Mike Hirschberg that celebrates his immense impact on the fields of vertical flight, eVTOL, and hydrogen-powered aviation. Now, that admiration becomes collaboration: Mike has officially joined HYSKY Society’s Board of Directors.

This follows his recent retirement as Executive Director of the Vertical Flight Society (VFS), where he served for more than 14 years, and the launch of H2 Advisors, a strategic consultancy focused on advanced air mobility, hydrogen aviation, vertical flight, and defense innovation. The name, H2 Advisors, has a clever double meaning: H₂ for hydrogen, the fuel of the future he has championed for years, and H₂ for “Hirschberg Heuristics,”

The addition of Hirschberg to HYSKY’s leadership further unites the architects of hydrogen aviation under one mission: decarbonizing aviation through education, standards, and collaboration. His appointment reflects the shared passion and commitment behind HYSKY’s vision to shape the future of flight.

“Having Mike beside me at HYSKY now feels like the full circle of my journey,” said Danielle McLean, HYSKY Founder and Executive Director. “The person who once inspired me to leap into AAM is now part of our leadership team.”

Hydrogen from Concept to Movement
Mike was among the earliest mainstream voices to recognize hydrogen’s role in decarbonizing aviation. Co-founding the H2eVTOL Council in 2020 alongside HYSKY’s Danielle McLean, Anubhav Datta, and Michael Dyment, he helped spark the momentum that has since grown into a global hydrogen aviation movement. His support also laid the foundation for the SAE AE-5H Hydrogen Airport Committee, which today helps define hydrogen aircraft refueling standards.

With Mike Hirschberg now on the Board, HYSKY Society strengthens its foundation at a critical moment in aerospace history. His continued leadership and voluntary guidance embody the spirit of collaboration, vision, and technical excellence that define the hydrogen aviation movement. Together, we are building the future of zero-emission flight.

FAQ: Hydrogen Aviation & HYSKY Society

What is the significance of Mike Hirschberg joining HYSKY Society’s Board?
Mike brings unmatched experience in vertical flight, eVTOL, and hydrogen propulsion. His strategic vision will strengthen HYSKY’s mission to decarbonize aviation.

What is H2 Advisors?
H2 Advisors is Mike Hirschberg’s strategic consultancy, focused on advanced air mobility, hydrogen aviation, and aerospace policy.

How has Mike contributed to hydrogen aviation?
Mike co-founded the H2eVTOL Council and has supported hydrogen propulsion initiatives, standards, and advocacy for years—before it was widely accepted in aviation.

What is the H2eVTOL Council?
A council formed to advance hydrogen-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft by uniting industry leaders, academics, and policymakers.

What does HYSKY Society do?
HYSKY is the first U.S.-based nonprofit dedicated solely to advancing hydrogen-powered aviation through education, collaboration, and standards development.

Why is hydrogen important for aviation decarbonization?
Hydrogen offers high energy density, zero emissions at point of use, and scalability for both short and long-range flight, making it a promising clean aviation fuel.

How did Mike help launch the eVTOL revolution?
By organizing the first eVTOL workshop in 2014 and establishing VFS as a central hub for electric and hybrid VTOL news, education, and events.

What is the SAE AE-5H Hydrogen Airport Committee?
A standards committee born out of the H2-Aero Symposium, now leading the way in safe, scalable hydrogen refueling infrastructure for aviation.

How can someone get involved with HYSKY Society?
Join HYSKY Connect, participate in educational programs, attend summits, and follow HYSKY’s channels on YouTube, X, and LinkedIn.

What impact has Mike had on education in aviation?
Mike tripled scholarship funding at VFS and initiated student challenges and short courses that have shaped the next generation of aerospace engineers.

For the latest news, insights, and content regarding hydrogen aviation, please join the following HYSKY Society channels: YouTube, X, and LinkedIn.

Join HYSKY Connect: The Hub for Hydrogen Aviation Leaders
HYSKY Connect is a premier membership network for professionals, innovators, and companies driving the hydrogen aviation revolution. It's more than a membership—it's a gateway to exclusive benefits, strategic visibility, and meaningful collaboration within the hydrogen aviation ecosystem.

HYSKY Connect VIP Membership Includes:
Complimentary sponsorship of FLYING HY 2025
Company listing in the HYSKY Connect member database
Discounts on HYSKY summits and educational programs
Direct messaging access to other members
Complimentary legal and technical consultations
Ongoing visibility across HYSKY media, events, and website

To become a HYSKY Connect VIP: https://connect.hysky.org/

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